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Amazon releases new Fire HD 8 tablets with Disney Design bundle

Everything you need to know about the all-new Fire HD 8 tablets

Just before 2022's Prime Day, Amazon upgraded its popular line of 7-inch tablets, making them thinner, lighter and faster. Here's everything you need to know about them and how they compare to previous models.

In this article: All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet, All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus Tablet and All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet

What's new on the Amazon Fire HD 8?

The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the midsize model in the company's affordable tablets. While the current Fire HD 8 already has many great features such as always-ready, hands-free Alexa; 32-gigabyte and 64GB options (with up to 1 terabyte of expandable storage via microSD); access to books, music, movies, TV shows and more; here are the top three upgrades available on the all-new tablets:

Better design

By using strengthened aluminosilicate glass, the all-new Fire HD 8 tablets are lighter and thinner but also stronger. According to a news release from Amazon, the Fire HD 8 tablets tested “twice as durable as the iPad Mini in tumble tests.” 

Faster processor

One of the general complaints about Fire tablets is they can be a little slow. To address this concern, the all-new model uses a new hexa-core processor that's 30% faster than the previous generation. Amazon states that you can “utilize the split-screen feature to send an email while joining a Zoom call or look up a recipe while watching your favorite show.”

Longer battery life

The third significant upgrade to the Fire HD 8 line is a battery that lasts up to 13 hours. Using the USB-C cable and 5W power adapter, users can fully charge their all-new tablet in roughly five hours.

What's the difference between Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 8 Plus?

If you're considering ordering the Fire HD 8 today but want to know what benefits you'd get by choosing the Fire HD 8 Plus for just $20 more, here are the three key differences:

More RAM

The more RAM you have, the more efficiently your processor can run. The Fire HD 8 has 2GB of RAM, while the Fire HD 8 Plus has 3GB of RAM. This means every action you perform will be a little smoother and faster.

Faster charging

The Fire HD 8 Plus comes with a 9-watt power adapter, which can reduce the charging time to roughly three hours (instead of five).

Wireless charging

If you're a fan of wireless charging, the all-new Fire HD 8 Plus is compatible with Qi-certified wireless chargers. The wireless charging dock (sold separately) also lets you transition to a countertop smart display with hands-free Alexa access in Show Mode.

What's the difference between Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro?

Since both models cost the same, the differences between the Fire HD 8 Kids and Fire HD 8 Kids Pro are minor. The Fire HD 8 Kids tablet comes in a blue or purple kid-proof case and is better suited for 3- to 7-year-olds.

The Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet comes in a cyber sky, rainbow universe or hello teal kid-proof case and is better suited for 6- to 12-year-olds. This is likely because the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet also includes access to a digital store so kids can ask their parents to purchase e-books and apps.

Another key difference is the Fire HD 8 Kids has a 32GB and a 64GB model, while the Fire HD 8 Kids Pro only has a 32GB model.

What is the Disney Design bundle?

For $10 more, you can get the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet in a special Disney kid-proof case. The two current case designs are Mickey Mouse or Disney Princess.

All the new Fire HD 8 tablets

All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet

This is Amazon's most affordable 8-inch tablet. It has an updated hexa-core processor for faster speeds, 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage and up to 13 hours of battery life.

Sold by Amazon

All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus Tablet

The Plus model is a slight step above the Fire HD 8. It has everything the Fire HD 8 has, plus more RAM (for better performance), faster charging times and wireless charging.

Sold by Amazon

All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet

This tablet is designed for kids from ages 3 to 7. It comes with one year of Amazon Kids+ and a two-year worry-free guarantee: if the tablet breaks, return it for a free replacement.

Sold by Amazon

All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet (with Disney Case)

This Fire HD 8 Kids tablet comes with a special Disney case. Families have a choice of either a Mickey Mouse or a Disney Princess design.

Sold by Amazon

All-New Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro Tablet

This tablet has all the same basic features as the Fire HD 8 Kids tablet, but it's better for kids ages 6 to 12. It includes access to a digital store so kids can ask their parents to purchase apps and e-books.

Sold by Amazon

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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